After learning about syphilis you may be feeling slightly overwhelmed. If you have just been diagnosed, be sure to follow the advice of your doctor and you should be back on track very soon. If you do not have syphilis, here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for keeping it that way.
1. Abstinence from sexual contact: While this is the only way to completely protect yourself from any STDs or STIs, for most people in long term relationships or marriages it may not be the most practical method of prevention, this is why getting tested prior to sexual activity with a new partner can greatly reduce your risk.
2. Latex condoms: When used properly, condoms can significantly lower your chances of getting a syphilis infection. It is important to remember that sores may be located outside of the region where the condom covers however so in these cases you are still at risk if you come in direct contact with the sore.
3. Get tested: If you take part in high risk sexual activity with many partners, or know that a partner has syphilis, you should be tested right away since it is far easier to cure the infection in the early stages.
4. Notifying recent partners: If you are diagnosed with syphilis or any STI or STD, you should notify all recent sexual partners (within the last 60 days) so that they can also get tested.
5. Getting treated: If you have been diagnosed and are still receiving treatment, you should not engage in sexual activity with your partner until all your meds have been taken and he/she has also been tested and treated if necessary.
6. Monogamy: When you are in a long-term completely monogamous relationship and both you and your partner have both been tested for STDs, you greatly lower your chances of passing any infection back and forth.
7. Avoiding alcohol and drugs: Avoiding mind-altering substances may help cut down on your risk of getting syphilis or other STDs since people who are under the influence usually partake more readily in high risk behavior than those who are sober.